Kankakee Times

Riverside Medical Center’s Emergency Department has received Bronze-Level Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from the American College of Emergency Physicians. This accreditation recognizes Riverside’s efforts to provide high-quality emergency care tailored to older adults.

“Earning this accreditation reflects what has always been at the heart of Riverside, caring for our community at every age and every stage of life,” said Phil Kambic, President & CEO of Riverside Healthcare. “Our Emergency Department team has worked thoughtfully to ensure that our older patients receive care that is not only high-quality, but also personal, respectful and reassuring.”

The Emergency Department at Riverside serves as the region’s most comprehensive provider of emergency services. It is currently the only Level II Trauma Center in the area and holds recognition as an Accredited Chest Pain Center by the American College of Cardiology. This ensures rapid treatment for cardiac emergencies. Additionally, Riverside partners with University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital Pediatricians to offer 24/7 onsite pediatric emergency and specialty care.

Over the years, Riverside Medical Center has received several awards for stroke care excellence. These include a Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for following quality improvement measures in stroke treatment. The hospital was also the first certified Primary Stroke Center in its area and has been accredited by DNV Healthcare for meeting national standards in stroke care. The facility uses technology such as a Telemedicine Robot to collaborate with experts from Rush University Medical Center on complex stroke cases.

The GEDA program honors hospitals that address the specific needs of older patients. Through this accreditation, Riverside shows its commitment to creating a safe environment for seniors and their families.

To achieve Bronze GEDA status, Riverside made several changes such as enhanced staff training in geriatric emergency care, specialized equipment for older adults, and processes focused on comfort and safety during transitions after emergency visits.

“This recognition is really about the people we serve,” said Ellen Bollino, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Riverside. “Our team is honored to care for seniors in moments when they need us most. Through our staff’s expertise and commitment, we strive to make every visit safer, more comfortable and respectful, reflecting the values we uphold through our mission as a community hospital.”

Riverside Healthcare states it aims to lead efforts nationally in making emergency care more responsive for older adults. More information about its Emergency Department can be found at RiversideHealthcare.org/ER